What is a Notice of Civil Offense?
A notice is like a ticket, advising you that you violated a section of the Cincinnati Municipal Code, and telling you how to pay the fine or schedule a hearing. In the past, public safety concerns such as building code violations, litter, abandoned cars, illegal dumping, weed control and others could only be addressed through the formal court system. Now an alternative process is available.
How is a Civil Offense different from a Criminal Offense?
Although you are being charged with violating a section of the Cincinnati Municipal Code, your violation will be treated as a civil offense. This means:
- You will not have a criminal record.
- An administrative hearing is more informal than the criminal court system.
- If the problem is not corrected, or the behavior continues, you may still be charged criminally for any new offenses.
What should I do with this Notice?
YOU HAVE TWO OPTIONS:
- Pay the fine by returning your notice along with your check or money order to:
Treasurer, City of Cincinnati
801 Plum Street, Room 202
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
- Challenge the notice by completing the back of the citation to schedule an administrative hearing at the Office of Administrative Hearings. (Link to directions for scheduling a hearing.)
